October 22nd, 2009
With a philosophy that “The Shape of the Shoe should match the Shape of the Human Foot”, then, why was I wearing these in 1971?
Can you believe it? I wore those platforms on the picture like they were slippers. I bought those shoes in Rome that many years ago, and I loved them.
The funny thing is that at the same time I also used to wear clogs, as well. They had the wooden soles and one pair was in suede and the other had perforated leather. Then, it seemed that they went out of style.
My next encounter with them was about 15 years ago, or so. I bought my first pair of Dansko clogs. I liked them very much; so easy to wear. Now they have so many styles for every season.
One of the stores that I frequent is Just Comfort Shoes. One of them is located on 4551 Highway One, (Coastal Highway) in Rehoboth Beach. The tel. is 302-645-6590, and the other is in town, on 237 Rehoboth Avenue. Tel. 302-227-2520. The website is www.justcomfortshoes.com. The toll free number is 877-GR8-Feet. The owner of the store is Sharonlee Diehl and her e-mail address is Sharonlee@justcomfortshoes.com.
These stores are full of shoe lines that will make you feel like you are walking on air. Today I stopped at both stores. Julia was at the one in town, in Rehoboth. We talked for a little bit and she showed me some of the new shoes that had just arrived for the fall season.
Two interesting brands that caught my attention were the Pedipeds for children. They looked so comfortable that I would tend to agree with the ad that said “next to bear feet”. The other one was Vibram Five Fingers. They almost looked like socks, but are really full fledge shoes and some people even run in them. You have to see them for yourselves.
At the store on Rt. 1, I met Bobby and I complimented her on how good the stores looked. The one in Rehoboth was all decorated for the Sea Witch Festival, which is this week-end. She told them that the stores in downtown Rehoboth get judged by the Chamber of Commerce and the winner will get a banner on the Chamber’s website for a year. That judging happened on Monday, but I do not know the results, at this time.
Anyway, these stores have great shoes. Some of the brands are: Dansko, Mephisto, Keen, Sanita, Think!, Birkenstock, Finn Comfort, Tevas, Rainbows, Chaco which is like a Teva, and Earth Shoes, among others. Shoe care products, arch supports and gift certificates are available. The website is very informative, with even a chart on how to measure your feet for the perfect fit, so check it out.
Please note that Just Comfort Shoes has an additional store at The Avenue at White Marsh in White Marsh, Maryland. Tel. 410-931-4296.
The stores are opened year-round and credit cards are accepted.
See you later…..and if the shoe fits, wear it!!
October 21st, 2009
This seafood market is located on 20238 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) in Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-3551, Fax is 302-227-5571 and the carry-out number is 302-227-3776.
Rehoboth Seafood has a complete line of fresh and frozen seafood. During the summer season they carry gourmet meats and seasonal veggies. They also have available a lunch and dinner carry-out menu.  
You are also able to order from them organic free range turkeys. This is the time of the year to order, so please give them a call as soon as you have your plans ready.
Mark Lane is the owner and he has been in the business for about 30 years and on this location since 1997.
Through the years, I have been a customer of Rehoboth Seafood. In my beach towns we are so lucky to have fresh seafood availabe, all the time, and I promote all these markets.
Fresh seafood is something that I look forward to and last night we were in the mood for a nice piece of fish, so late in the afternoon we paid Rehoboth Seafood a visit. Nick was the employee at that time of the day and he wrapped us 2 pieces of halibut. All the seafood looked so fresh. They also carry a line of herbs, rubs and sea salts, among other things, to make your cooking easier.
We chatted with Nick a bit and I took some pictures. When I am reviewing a place and I am able to take pictures, it is great because you can get an idea of what the business looks like.
Have you had halibut? Well, it is a type of flat fish from the family of the flounder. The name comes from haly (holy) and butt (flat fish), for its popularity on Catholic holy-days. It lives in the North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans. It is also the largest flat fish, weighing about 24-30 lbs., but can be as large as 734 lbs. It is also known as the “Cow of the Sea”.
From my previous posts, you know already that I like to cook, but fish is not my specialty. Don’t get me wrong, I can do it but I never think it tastes as good as when someone else prepares it.
Besides the halibut, we also got some oysters and we steamed them in the oven. They were great.
I kept the halibut simple. Put it on a lined baking sheet and topped it with melted butter, pepper, and lemon juice. Grated some of the lemon on it and put it in a pre-heated 425 degree oven for about 7 minutes and then under the broiler, but not too close to it, maybe about 6 inches below, for about 4 minutes to give it some color. It was delicious.
I hope that when you are visiting our coast you get a chance to get some fresh seafood, from our local Seafood Markets.
Note: Information on the halibut was taken from www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halibut.
 
Gorgeous day in the Delmarva Peninsula!!!! See you later…
October 20th, 2009
Lewes
Friday, October 23rd and Saturday, October 24th at 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Sunday, October 25th at 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. It is the 21st Children’s Fantasy Trail at the Cape Henlopen State Park. Meet at the Seaside Nature Center on 42 Cape Henlopen Drive. Tel. 302-645-6852. Trails are decorated for Halloween. Live family entertainment. $5.00 per person plus Park admission fees. Note: Volunteers are needed. Please call the above number if you would like to help.
Friday, October 23rd – Blue Jean Ball and Art Show at Nassau Valley Vineyards near Lewes. Sponsored by the Lower Delaware Autism Foundation. 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Art show, and sale, reception and dance with music by Love Seed Mama Jump. $75.00 and for more info. please call 302-644-3410 or visit www.ldaf.com.
Friday, October 30th – at 6:30 p.m. is the Halloween Mystery Ball – Mischief and Mayhem with Delaware Comedy Theatre. Location Fish On!!, located on 17300 N. Village Main, Village of Five Points. Tickets are $55.00 and will include a 3-course dinner and a fiendishly all-improvised mystery featuring the Delaware Comedy Theatre. Witness the crime, gather the clues and solve the mystery to win a spooktacular prize!!! Limited seating available. Pay online and reserve your seats for this ghoulishly glorious event at www.delawarecomedytheatre.com. Need more info? Call 888-446-7763.
Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach
Friday, October 23 through Sunday, October 25th is the 20th Sea Witch Halloween and Fiddler’s Festival. Parades, beach games, entertainment and for information you should call 302-227-2233.
Some of the events will be:
Saturday from 10-5 p.m. and Sunday from 10-3 p.m. – Scarecrow Making
Saturday at 11 a.m. will be the Costume Parade
Saturday 12-4 p.m. and Sunday 12-3 p.m. – Pony Rides on the Beach
Saturday 12-5 p.m. and Sunday 12-3 p.m. – Horse-drawn Hayrides
Saturday 12:30-5:30 p.m is the Sea Witch Hunt
Saturday 1-5 p.m. Fiddler’s Festival
Sunday at 1:00 p.m. is the exciting Best Costumed Pet Contest
There is no admission and activities will not cost more than $10. Location is Rehoboth Beach.
Saturday, October 24th and Sunday, October 25th – Volksmarch – 5K and 10K Pleasure Walks. Starting on the Boardwalk at the Henlopen Hotel in Rehoboth. Start times from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both days. Walks to be finished by 5 p.m. $3.00 and for more info. call 302-697-1191 or visit www.ava.org or e-mail thomas.sunde@state.de.us.
Note: Cafe Sole, located on 44 Baltimore Ave. will be starting their fall Wednesdays special, with the first one being on 10/21. There will be 1/2 price entrees, 1/2 price bottles of wine. Serving 5 – 9 p.m. Tel. 302-227-7107.
Ocean City, Maryland
Sunday, October 18th through Sunday, October 25th is the O.C. Restaurant Week. Please visit the website www.oceancityrestaurantweek.com for participating restaurants and menus.
Jules located on 120th St. and Coastal Highway has a very exciting menu for this week. Call 410-524-3396 for reservations or visit www.julesoc.com.
Friday, October 23rd – Sunday, October 25th – Coastal Style Luxury Living Show at the Convention Center located on 40th St. & Bay. This is one of a kind event that highlights products and services of the region’s most prestigious businesses. More info. visit www.coastalstylemag.com.
Saturday, October 24th and Sunday October 25th – Toast Our Coast – In conjunction with the Coastal Syle Luxury Living Show. A celebration of local food, wine and music. For more info. call 800-626-2326 or visit www.ocvisitor.com.
After the stormy days we have had I took a drive all the way to the pier in Ocean City, Maryland. It was so sunny and that wide beach was gorgeous, more so, this time of the year. People were walking their dogs or just sitting on the many benches that line this amazingly long boardwalk.
Yes, definitely, we should “Toast Our Coast”. See you soon….
  
October 18th, 2009
Their Motto: “You Create “em”, we Make “em”. You are not kidding!! This donut shoppe is different and soooo good.
Fractured Prune is located on 20214 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) in Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-0747 and fax is 302-227-0748. E-mail address: rehoboth@fracturedprune.com and website is: www.fracturedprune.com.
Last night I wrote about that the only thing on my mind after the bad weather we were experiencing was breads and muffins.
Then, this morning, as we woke up with the same type of weather, I thought that a drive over to Fractured Prune would be the start of a good day.
This business has been in operation in this area for 4 years. As with other establishments, I pass by it every day. I have not stopped in because I really did not want to eat donuts. Well, today I made for lost time. Really!!
You cannot miss Fractured Prune because the colors are purple and green. Plus, with that name, your mind wonders….how did it get its name? The following is a quote from their printed information:
“Back in 1976, when Tom Parshall purchased Josh’s 46th Street Market, he was thinking about a new name for his enterprise. Several friends gave him suggestions, but he felt they all lacked imagination and individuality. He had been reading through the abstract of the land he had bought and an unusual name caught his eye. In the late 1800’s a woman named Prunella Shriek had owned much of the land in that area. Tom didn’t think too much about it until one day he was browsing thru the Baltimore Library and came across a book titled “Ocean City Lore”. As he looked through it, he was thrilled to see Prunella Shriek’s name with a paragraph devoted to her.
Even though she was in her seventies, Prunella was the only woman who competed with men in traditionally men’s sports such as ice skating races and skiing competitions. She was an excellent tennis player and was county ping pong champion circa 1895. Being older and somewhat brittle, she often returned from some of the more vigorous competitions in a wheel chair or on crutches. Thus the township began to lovingly refer to her as “Fractured Prunella”. When Tom read this, a voice in his head said, “Hello”; he would name his new enterprise after this wonderful and spunky old lady and call it “Fractured Prune”. And, there you have it, just in case you have been wondering about the name.
Fractured Prune is larger than you would expect with plenty of tables and even a large T.V. You and your family can make yourselves comfortable here.
Donuts are made to order, in front of you; so warm; toppings and glazes are custom made. No cold donuts are served. I got to see how the process worked and here are a couple of the pictures. 
 For your first visit, you will be rewarded with a free donut. Their signature donut is the O.C. Sand, which is a honey glaze, and cinnamon sugar. So good, it melts in your mouth.
They have t-shirts and sweatshirts for sale with their logo and if you wear it, you will get a free donut.
At this time of the year, besides their 23 specialty donuts, they have added the Mom’s Hot Apple Pie & Pumpkin Spice with a choice of glazes: Apple Butter Glaze or Pumpkin Spice Glaze, Graham Cracker Crumbs, Cinnamon Sugar.
One of their newest donuts soon to be on their menu, and I was lucky to try, was the Upsidedown Cake Donut. It has the honey glaze, and cinnamon sugar and a pineapple ring on top. The sweetness and the tartness of the fruit is a winning combination.
Coffee, juices, milk and other cold beverages are available, as well.
Believe it or not, they also have breakfast sandwiches and bagels and during the height of the summer season, it accounts for 12% – 15% of their sales. This time of the year the warm donuts is what customers want.
Another type of sandwich to have in mind is the Prunewich, which is an egg sandwich made on a split donut.
This company is a franchise, all individually owned and operated. My review is of the one located in Rehoboth Beach. There are 10 in Maryland, 2 in Delaware, one in Florida, Mississippi and Ohio, 2 in PA, and 2 in Virginia. For more info., please go to www.fracturedprune.com or call 866-369-3668.
It does not matter what business I go to review, always what stays in my mind is how the owners and employees have treated me during my visit. Jody and Diane are the owners and operators and Judy works for them. Their warmth and total belief in their product was a treat to see.
On this Sunday morning, on a gray day in the Delmarva Peninsula, the customers are coming in….Good Job!!
See you sooon…..
October 17th, 2009
Non-stop rain. That is all we have had for days. It is good weather to bake muffins and breads. Following are a few recipes that you might enjoy:
Blueberry Muffins
2 cups flour
3 T. sugar
3 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. mace
3/4 cup milk
1 egg
3 T. melted butter or margarine if you prefer
1 t. vanilla
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 T. butter or margarine
1/4 cup sugar
1 t. cinnamon
Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.
Combine first 5 ingredients.
Add milk, egg, melted butter and vanilla. Mix just until dry ingredients are moistened.
Lightly fold in blueberries.
Spoon into well-greased muffin pans.
Combine butter, sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over top of muffin batter before baking.
Bake for 20-25 minutes. Makes up to 12 muffins depending on the size of your pans.
Apricot Oatmeal Muffins
2 cups flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 cup sugar
1 T. baking powder
1 t. salt
2 t. pumpkin pie spice
1 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup chopped nuts
2 eggs
1 1/3 cups milk
1/4 cup salad oil
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
Stir together, flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, salt and spice.
Add apricots and nuts; stir to blend.
Beat together eggs, milk and oil. Add all at once to flour mixture, stirring only until all the flour is moistened.
Fill greased muffin pans 2/3 full.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Makes 24 muffins.
Toasted Coconut Bread
1 cup toasted coconut
1 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup oil
1 t. vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour
1 T. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
3/4 cup sugar
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
Toast coconut by spreading it on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10 minutes or until lightly brown. Watch it because it can toast quickly.
In a large bowl, mix milk, egg, oil and vanilla.
Add coconut, flour, baking powder, salt and sugar; stil until blended.
Pour into a greased and floured 9 x 5 inch loaf pan.
Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a rack.
Note: The above recipes can be adapted in order to be gluten free. When I am substituting baking flours, I usually use Arrowhead Mills Gluten Free all Purpose Baking Mix. I get gluten free vanilla from my local health food store, Rainbow, in Rehoboth Beach. For the rolled oats I use Lara’s Rolled Oats from Chateau Cream Hill Estates. Those can also be purchased at your local health food store. Some of these products might be carried in your local supermarkets, as well. Regarding the dried fruits, please read the labels. The same goes for the coconut.
Hope you like them. Remember to enjoy them and make them your own.
See you, very soon….Hopefully, the weather will improve.
October 16th, 2009
A serious accident prevented Lou from opening this Salumeria & Pasticceria at the beginning of the summer season. But, now in the Second Season he is ready. Tomorrow, Saturday, will be the second week since he opened this business on 33A Baltimore Ave. in Rehoboth Beach. Telephone is 302-227-1500, fax number is 302-227-3900 and the website is www.touchofitalyde.com.
Everyone that knows him is very happy that he has been able to recuperate well and by the smile on his face, you could tell that since he opened, he has definitely been received with open arms and hungry stomachs.
It is a small store but very well stocked. Besides Lou, you will find Diane, and Frankie.
They will have fresh mozzarella, prepared and even smoked in large barrels by Frankie, who learned this technique from Don Orazio who owns Casa della Mozzarella in New York. They have even named one of the specialty sandwiches on behalf of Don Orazio. I had that sandwich today and it could not have tasted better. It had hot capicollo, fresh hand made mozzarella, and sun dried peppers.
Touch of Italy will have Italian cured meats/cheeses, Italian provisions, fresh breads, sandwiches, assorted cookies/pastries, homemade pasta and catering.
Everything is there for you to appreciate. Hanging hams, salami and cheeses. On the left hand side of the store you can buy all kinds of Italian pastas, including gnocchi with potato. They also have a variety of olive oils and balsamic vinegars, as well as black, green and kalamata olive spreads.
The pasta sauces looked great; marinara, fra diavolo, vodka, basil and one pasta sauce that caught my eye had sardines and fennel. They also carry integrale pasta by Misura, as well as farina and polenta.
Juices like apricot and pear nectars, and soft drinks are available. And, you can never forget to pick up a can of espresso coffee.
The store offers great pastries, all homemade like Italian Wedding Cookies in orange, lemon and vanilla flavors. How about some almond macaroons? And, Biscotti; anise, chocolate chunk and almond. Cannolis filled to order, chocolate eclairs with custard, Italian cream puffs, tiramisu among others. Aren’t you hungry already?
The breads come fresh from New York. An assortment of olives, roasted peppers, seafood salad with octopus, and one of my favorites; white anchovies are among the many items this salumeria has to offer.
This is not a new business for these owners. A Touch of Italy has been for years on 535 Atlantic Ave., in Milville, Delaware. That is west of Bethany Beach. Just a few minutes. In that store only baked goods are available. The tel. is 302-539-1355.
Whether you are a local, a native, or just visiting for a while or the week-end you will really enjoy this new establishment in the heart of Rehoboth Beach.
 Olives, white anchovies
Note: The holidays are coming so you will be able to order holiday baskets and pastries. Give them a call for more information.
October 15th, 2009
True friendship remains unconditional and it is probably the only relationship that survives the trials and tribulations of time. In order to experience it, you will have to have true friends.
In the past few weeks I have written about reconnecting with Rosarito and Mary in Miami. Then, out of the blue, Elba, in Oregon, contacted me and in a long coversation we were able to update our lives.
Yesterday, another childhood friend, Cuca, came to visit with her husband, Tato. In 24 hours we were able to talk about our families and the paths our lives have taken.
The 4 of us had a very nice dinner at Cafe Sole on Baltimore Ave., in Rehoboth Beach. Wednesday evening was quiet; the perfect place for conversation. By the way, good food, as well.
It is really amazing that after all these years, that unique blend of affection, loyalty, love, respect, trust, and tons of fun is still there.
The feeling of so many years ago in Puerto Rico; walking to town, sitting on the porch at Momor’s house, slumber parties, icees, rollerblading, reading comic books, or just hanging out, came rushing back.
I think I am part now of the “igualitos”, that group of childhood friends trying to keep the priceless treasure called “friendship”; it is eternal.
How fortunate….see you soon.
October 14th, 2009
Well, chicken should be on the menu several nights a week. The Delmarva Peninsula certainly has plenty of chicken to go around. I made this recipe last night. I have had it since 2000 and I am thanking Louise for it.
I have made the following recipe gluten free and it is delicious.
Hot Chicken Salad
3 cups cooked chicken, cubed
3 cups celery, sliced in small pieces
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
3/4 cup toasted almonds, (I bought them sliced)
3 tsps. lemon juice
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
1 1/2 cups potato chips, crushed
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
To toast almonds just put them in a small cookie sheet and place them in the oven for about 10 minutes. Watch them since they can toast quickly.
Combine all ingredients except cheese and chips. Lightly pile them in a greased casserole dish. I used a 9″ x 8″ Pyrex dish.
Mix the crushed chips with the grated cheese and sprinkle on top.
Bake for about 30 to 45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chips get a light brown color. Do not let them burn, please.
I just had sliced tomatoes on the side but a good salad or any vegetable would go great with this dish. I hope you like it.
Makes about 4-6 servings depending on how hungry you are.
Note: I used Hellman’s Light Mayo. It is gluten free. The brand that I used for the potato chips is Kettle Brand and is also gluten free, no msg or preservatives. Safeway and Giant Supermarkets carry this brand.
If you want to make this recipe easier, buy a rotisserie chicken; then you will save that much time.
I don’t think you need to add any salt. But, like with any recipe you just have to try it, change it, enjoy it, and make it your own.
See you soon…..
 
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